Brain wiring includes language with visual input. We often look at artwork and use of symbols as examples of how vision works to help prompt our thoughts. However, visual perceptual skills do not work in isolation. Language helps the learner better understand what is shown. For example, the youngster in the photo above will need to break down the task card into spatial language
Fine motor skills combine the use of eyes and hands working together. They also serve to integrate sub-skills such as control of body posture and eye muscles, along with muscles of the hands and fingers working together. These skills are essential for self-care activities, such as dressing and success in school for activities such as reading and handwriting. They are also essential for independence in
Activities that intentionally combine gross motor skills with fine motor activity influence attention. Key pieces being woven together in the photo below include resistive exercise for the core muscles of his trunk. These muscles are being stimulated by the sway of the swing as he holds on to the swing and moves through space. Body awareness is also being activated as he positions his entire body to point
What is Resistive Exercise and Heavy Work? Resistive exercise is muscle action that is opposed by enough force to increase strength. “Heavy Work” is the combination of resistive exercise with activities such as those that are shown in the photos below. Combining resistive exercises into Heavy Work activities, activates key chemical actions throughout the brain and its pathways. When these pathways are activated with sufficient
Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological condition. This is a condition in which the brain has difficulty interpreting information that comes in through the senses. This means that pathways from the sensory systems (including eyes, ears, tastes, smells, joints and muscles) may not be properly understood by the brain. The brain tends to respond with distress when it is not able to understand information. This tends
Key Issue: Level of Arousal The Under-Aroused Child Setting up home program activities for children who have difficulties with self regulation and are Under-Aroused can be a challenge. The seeming lack of interest of the Under Aroused child may often be shown through poor attention to task, limited social skills, or lack of readiness to join in activities. Generally speaking, these children tend to
Key Issue: Level of Arousal The Over-Aroused Child Setting up home program activities for children who have difficulties with self regulation and sensory issues can be a challenge. Many children who have these issues show a variable sense of what is “just right” in terms of attention, social skills, excitement and readiness to join in activities. When brought together as a group, these issues
Steadies the head – to aid visual perception Steadies the arms – to aid fine motor skills Skills relating to postural control and fine motor skills tend to be learned as a child develops. The ability to control posture usually moves forward in an age-related manner. For example, the ability to sit erect tends to be learned by 6 months of age. Therefore, the
Expanding Visual Perceptual Skills Visual perception is the ability to understand one’s surroundings based upon what is seen. Visual perceptual skills involve the use of eye muscles to look over the surroundings, use of language to describe the surroundings, and use of hands and feet to manipulate objects in the surroundings. Different aspects of visual perception are used for self-care, social and academic skills. Common
Eye hand coordination, also known as visual motor integration, refers to the ability to bring movements of the eyes and hands together to complete a task. Eye hand coordination also requires attention and organization since eye movements generally lead the way for planned moves of the body, arms, and hands. Eye hand coordination typically places emphasis upon paired moves of the eyes and the